The New Hampshire Gazette

NEW-YORK, April 28.

ESCAPES.

The citizens were alarmed on Wednesday about noon by the ringing of bells. It proved to be a call to the gaol, which had been broken open by the prisoners, principally debtors, 24 of whom escaped.

A circumstance of this kind interests every class of men, we have therefore taken pains to obtain particulars, which are thus stated:

A few moments before twelve, upwards of forty of the prisoners came driving down stairs in a body, armed with pistols, which had spring bayonets affixed to them, and clubs. They knocked down the turnkey, and assaulted the front inner door, the lock of which they absolutely broke off. Seeing opposition in front of the prison collecting, they flew to the rear of the house, and pried their way through into the yard, firing at every one who opposed them, and forced their way through a crowd of officers and citizens, who found it impossible to stem their impetuosity; but, by skill and numbers, the officers and citizens retook ten of them, through the fire of all their pistols; not, however, without receiving many wounds. Fourteen made a successful escape.

The officers of the gaol appear to have faithfully performed their duty. What man, unconscious of design, could oppose such a torrent?

Their being armed in such a manner, may be conceived somewhat mysterious; but these could easily have been smuggled in from time to time, by the friends of the prisoners.

Many citizens acquired much credit by their exertions, at the risque of their lives, in aiding the magistrates in this moment of alarm. There are many evidences also of the vigilance, of the officers; Mr. William W. Parker, deputy sheriff, took two of the prisoners himself, each armed with pistols; and we are told that this is not the first instance of his exertions in cases of this kind.

It is with regret we mention the fate of our fellow citizen, Mr. Peter Lorillard, tobacconist, in Chatham-street; he received a ball through his body, from one of the prisoners, after he had retaken him, and now lays in a dangerous situation.

A Mr. Long, cartman, unfortunately received four wounds in his body and limbs. with buck shot, but they were not conceived dangerous: Three other citizens were slightly wounded. Watson, now in the dungeon, was badly wounded before he resigned.